Bellingham plans summer action on King Mountain encampment. Here’s what to know

Bellingham city officials say they will “take action” this summer on a growing encampment in the King Mountain neighborhood. Nearby residents, property managers and developers say they face crime, drug activity and environmental hazards.

FULL STORY: Action planned for Bellingham encampment as King Mountain neighbors demand fixes

Here are key takeaways:

• The encampment spans dozens of acres of private, forested land east of Meridian Street and north of E. Kellogg Road. It is an extension of the long-standing encampment area behind Walmart.
• In 2024, the city took legal action against property owner Li-Ching Fang, whose land held much of the encampment. Cleanup of the 20-acre site “could take several more years and many millions of dollars,” according to the city.
• A property manager of an apartment complex near the encampment said she has spent more than $100,000 on security, fencing and lighting. She told The Herald she has been threatened and chased with a knife.
• Developer Scott Rorvig estimates $25,000 in materials were stolen during construction of his Tull Road townhomes. His newer 34-unit complex is only about 60% occupied, which he blames on encampment activity.
• Resident Julie Jansen said she and her husband have obtained protective orders against two people connected to the encampment in the last eight months. Mayor Kim Lund said the city is “acting with diligence and compassion” to address public safety concerns.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.